Ira Hammon

Wide Receiver

Pierce County Bengals

The record setting pass catcher from Pacific Lutheran University made an immediate impact with the start-up Pierce County Bengals franshise during their inaugural season under GM Ed Bemis.

With a stat line that reads: 46 catches, 801 yards, 14 touchdowns with a long of 97-yards from QB Bill Donckers, the 6'3" 210-lb Hammon was in the top-2 of all four categories, owning the top spot for touchdowns and longest reception in 1973.

Those efforts helped lead the Bengals to an 11-1 record and NIFL Championship.  It also opened the door to his NFL opportunity.  By April 1974, Hammon was a Washington Redskin and teammates with 1972 Northwest Player of the Year Bob Cason, a former Seattle Cavalier and back up QB to Joe Theisman.  Bengal teammate Ron Baines, also a receiver, was offered a contract by the 'Skins as well, however Buffalo still owned the rights to Baines as their former 1969 draft pick.  The Redskins would try Ira at running back under George Allen something he adapted to quickly prior to his release.

Ira returned to the Bengals for the 1974 season and against the Seattle Bulldogs, showed off his new and old skills, catching 2 TD passes and rushing 7 times for 97 yards.  Hammon led the Bengals with 7 TDs and was second in receiving with 24 grabs going into the match up with the NIFL All-Stars.

Hammon would get another training camp invite from the Redskins for 1975 and eventually play with the 1975 Portland Thunder of the World Football League primarily at fullback, rushing 48 times and catching 12 passes, returning 2 kickoffs and passing for a 29-yard TD in his only professional pass attempt.  The WFL folded up shortly after.

Ira held 11 team records in 1975 when he was inducted into the inaugural Bengals Hall of Fame on Dec 10, 1975.

The Portland native would get one final try-out with the New York Giants in 1976, again as a running back before being released and retiring his cleats and helmet.